CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (February 8, 2003)- The Southeast Missouri State University gymnastics squad (6-4) defeated the Fighting Illini of The University of Illinois by a score of 194.375-192.425. The Otahkians total team score of 194.375 is their highest so far this season and seventh best score in team history.

Junior Ashley Godwin led the Otahkians to a first place as an all-arounder with a score of 39.100. At the Midwest Independent Championships last season Godwin posted her personal best as an all-arounder with a score of 39.275. Godwin capitalized with a first place floor routine with a score of 9.900, a three way tie for first place on the vault with a score of 9.750, and a second place on beam with a score of 9.875.

Southeast Senior Amy Cole finished in second as an all-arounder with a score of 39.075. Cole tied fellow Otahkian Ashley Godwin and Fighting Illini gymnast Amanda Kaufman for first place on vault with a score of 9.750. Cole captured a second place on the floor with a score of 9.875 and a tie for second place on the uneven bars with a score of 9.725.

Other Southeast notables include first year gymnast Tara Boldt posting her personable best as an all-arounder with a score of 38.750. Boldt performed a near perfect beam routine finishing third with a score of 9.850. First year Deanna Ogg shined on the uneven bars with a first place score of 9.850. Sophomore Katie Bloom and first year Tara Boldt both tied for third on the uneven bars with a score of 9.700.

The University of Illinois gymnastics squad of the Big Ten conference came to Southeast ranked 40th in the nation. The Fighting Illini were led by Junior Kara Kapernekas finishing in third place as an all-arounder with a score of 38.925. Kapernekas posted a near flawless beam routine finishing in first place with a score of 9.925 and a tie for third place on the floor with teammate Amanda Kaufman with a score of 9.850. Sophomore Jessica Cole tied for second on the uneven bars with a score of 9.725.

The Southeast Otahkians travel to Western Michigan for a dual meet on Saturday, February 16 at 12 p.m. The next home meet for the Otahkians is March 5 versus Eastern Michigan.